Coral Reef Fact: The Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo), the smallest hammerhead shark, excretes, a special body fluid, called “cerebrospinal fluid” or to let others know it is nearby. It also utilizes an electric-field sensing system similar to radar. This allows the shark to attack prey within a few feet where its eyes are least able […]
Coral Reef Fact: The Blanket Octopus (Tremoctopus violaceus)displays the most extreme degree of sexual dimorphism in a non-microscopic animal. The mature males are tiny compared to the females, just a few centimeters long. The weight of mature males is at least 1:10,000 of mature females. Learn more Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect the […]
Coral Reef Fact: Calcareous algae produce calcium carbonate (limestone) when the algae dies, sand from the limestone is produced. As a result, this algae produces up to 65% percent of the sand found on tropical beaches. Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect the marine environment.
Coral Reef Fact: The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) does not get it’s common name from it’s appearance. Its name comes from the greenish color of the turtle’s fat, which is only found in a layer between their inner organs and their shell.Learn more Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect our coral reefs.
Coral Reef Fact: The Atlantic Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) has three color phases. In its juvenile phase, it is bright yellow, changing to a mixture of yellow and blue during adolescence. Adult blue tangs are deep blue to purplish-blue with a yellow caudal spine. At night they will, also, display white vertical stripes. Learn more […]
Coral Reef Fact: The Shortnose Batfish (Ogcocephalus nasutus) uses a lure located right above its mouth to attract prey. Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect our marine environment.
Coral Reef Fact: Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) can tolerate oxygen-poor environments due to a modified air bladder that allows them to inhale atmospheric oxygen. Learn more Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect our marine environment.
Coral Reef Fact: One big threat to the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) or common mola is floating litter such as plastic bags which resemble their main food, jellyfish. Bags can choke and suffocate an individual or fill its stomach to the extent that it starves.Learn more Please support Reef Relief’s work to keep our reefs […]
Coral Reef Fact: The Rough Sea Plume/Feather Gorgonian (Muriceopis flavida) can form different shapes depending on water movement. A bushy appearance occurs in turbulent waters. A flat fan shape occurs when the water current sways the gorgonian back and forth. Please support Reef Relief’s work to protect coral reefs. More info
Coral Reef Fact: Learn more here Flamingo tongue (Cyphoma gibbosum) snails are recognized world wide as having beautiful shells. However, the brightly colored spots on the shell are not permanent. The color of the shell is due to the mantle of the animal inside the shell. When the animal dies, all that is left is […]